Pop Star Musicians Ashlee Simpson And Pete Wentz Kick Off National Geographic Channel's Annual Holiday DOG WHISPERER Week

Power Couple Seeks Cesar's Help with Their Bullying Bulldog Prior to the Birth of Their Son

"We're about to have a baby, so it's a big concern."

Special episode premieres Sunday, December 28, at 8 PM ET/PT

Dog Whisperer Week runs Sunday, December 28 thru Friday, January 2

Fall Out Boy bassist/lyricist Pete Wentz made a celebrity out of his 3-year-old-English bulldog Hemingway.  The dog has appeared on magazine covers, in music videos with his owner and even participated in Pete's wedding to pop star Ashlee Simpson.  But, two months before their baby was due, they began to worry about Hemingway's aggression.  Concerned about what Hemingway will do with a newborn in the house, they call upon the one man they hope can help their rock-and-roll bulldog sing a new tune.

Dog Whisperer: Cricket and Hemingway & Rigby with Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz kicks off National Geographic Channel's (NGC) annual holiday Dog Whisperer Week Sunday, December 28, at 8 PM ET/PT.  Dog Whisperer continues each night of the week, Monday, December 29, 2008 thru Friday, January 2, 2009 from 8 -11 PM ET/PT.

Ashlee Simpson gave birth to a baby boy in November, but before she and husband Pete Wentz became parents they had one big problem they needed to address - their increasingly aggressive bulldog Hemingway.  Before the superstar couple called Cesar, they thought a friend for Hemingway might be the answer - so 5-month-old English bulldog Rigby joined their budding family.  But that didn't seem to help, since Hemingway has continued to charge other dogs and even attacked Rigby.

"I find myself avoiding other dogs, I avoid going to dog parks with them," explains Wentz.  Added Simpson, "The first time I noticed Hemingway had some issues, whenever I would see him around other dogs, he would [be] aggressive.  We're about to have a baby, so it's a big concern."

Clearly, Hemingway is the pack leader in this band, but Cesar is about to change his tune.  "Dogs don't care how rich or famous you are; they only know who's the leader and who's the follower," said Cesar.  "My job was to teach Pete and Ashlee how to take the leadership role before their baby came into the picture."  

First, Cesar shows the couple how to master the walk - and properly hold the leash.  Next, to their amazement, he demonstrates with ease how to walk with Hemingway and pass other dogs on the street - with no problems!  Cesar also works with the couple in their fitness room, teaching them how to properly use the treadmill with both dogs.  Finally, Cesar gives them a lesson on feeding, and how to claim the space around the food.  Will these musicians be able to master their new roles, or will Hemingway continue to dance to his own beat?

Also in this episode, Cesar travels to Oregon, where he encounters a British white retriever named Cricket who has developed serious aggression, especially when it comes to food - even biting his owner!  Cesar quickly determines this could turn into a red zone case if not properly monitored, so he invites the dog to his Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles to spend some time with the Pack.  Can Cesar cut Cricket's aggressive cravings?

Other premieres in Dog Whisperer Week include:

Monday, December 29, 2008, at 8 PM ET/PT
Dog Whisperer: Tobi & Riley

Cesar is known for his quick results, but his next case took over a month to rehabilitate.  The Pinner family's sheepdog/collie mix, Tobi, lunges, chases and nips houseguests.  He's become so aggressive that the family locks him in the garage when they have company.  After careful review, Cesar determines that Tobi's bad behavior requires extra attention and brings him to the Dog Psychology Center for more treatment.  Then, meet the Smith family and their St. Bernard, Riley.  Weighing in at 140 pounds, Riley would be expected to bound up and down stairs, but Riley has severe phobia of steps.  The family has tried everything to lure Riley up the stairs, to no avail.  Will Cesar be able to step up to the challenge?

Friday, January 2, 2009, at 8 PM ET/PT
Dog Whisperer: Bacchus and Jody

Problems come in all sizes, and in this episode Cesar takes on a massive Great Dane and a little Lhasa apso.  First, meet Hailie and Heath and their Great Dane, Bacchus.  Just recently Bacchus developed aggression toward dogs he's not familiar with.  He used to be fine on walks to the dog park, but now he rears up onto his back legs at the sight of another dog.  Hailie and Heath hope Cesar will be able to reinstate this once Great Dane.  Then, Christine's Lhasa apso Jody is literally eating her family out of house and home.  Jody will chow on anything she can get her paws on, even once swallowing needles from a sewing kit.  Christine would like to rid Jody of her enormous appetite, but isn't sure how to lay the rules out on the table.  Can Cesar eliminate Jody's hunger pangs?

For more information and exclusive clips, visit www.natgeotv.com/dogwhisperer.
 
About Dog Whisperer

Each episode of Dog Whisperer follows dog behavior specialist Cesar Millan as he goes directly into the homes of dog owners - without any prior information about the dog's case - and documents the remarkable transformations that take place under Cesar's calm, assertive guidance.
 
The hugely popular series has grown into a pop culture phenomenon, including parodies on "South Park" and "Saturday Night Live"; references on popular shows including "Jeopardy!" and Bravo's hit series "Work Out"; appearances on "Oprah," "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Martha Stewart," "Today Show," "The View" and "Live with Regis and Kelly"; and a guest star role for Cesar on the hit series "Ghost Whisperer."

The series recently celebrated its landmark 100th episode in September with a grand reunion of many of the past guests - and their dogs.  The second and third seasons of Dog Whisperer each received nominations for the Primetime Emmy for Best Reality Series.

About Cesar Millan

With more than 20 years of experience working with canines, Cesar has been called a "Dr. Phil for dogs," and for good reason.  He has a unique gift of rehabilitating dogs and training their owners.  His talent with dogs first developed on his grandfather's farm in Mexico.  Now, at his Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, he receives as many as 100 calls a week from owners desperate for help and confronting a crisis with their beloved pets.  He is their emergency responder, and often their last resort.  Often, the dogs Cesar works with are "red zone cases" that trainers or veterinarians have told the owners to put down.  Cesar believes every dog deserves a chance at rehabilitation before such drastic measures should even be considered.  His pack of dogs at the center are largely dogs no one thought should be left alive - and they now live in harmony as part of Cesar's pack, and make frequent appearances on the show.

Millan was made an honorary member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and was presented The Michael Landon Award for Inspiration to Youth Through Television at the 28th Young Artist Awards.

Cesar's most recent book, "A Member of the Family," released in October 2008, is his third New York Times best seller.  Other things Cesar include: the first three seasons of Dog Whisperer are available on DVD; Cesar and his wife Ilusion have founded the nonprofit Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation, providing financial support and rehabilitation expertise to shelters throughout the United States; Cesar has an exclusive product line available at Petco; and he is giving online seminars, "Sessions with Cesar," an interactive coaching course.  More information can be found at www.cesarmillaninc.com.